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Lose all propulsion when TRAC activated!!!!

765 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  2018 XLE, 
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I'm driving 2012 Sienna LE AWD. We had what I would call a light snowfall last night - about 1.5". New all season tires with very good snow and wet traction ratings. The absolute WORST vehicle I have ever driven in the snow (50+ years experience). When does the AWD work? It NEVER even kicked in. What is with the entire drive train shutting down when the traction control kicks in? Felt like I lost all control of the vehicle! Thankfully there was no traffic when I pulled onto the road. Overall a horrifying experience.
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I read the original entry last night but didn't have a chance to reply. I'm very happy to see that my fellow moderator deleted the next few entries. If we see something like that again we might be deleting a few members too!

So, back to the original question.... I take it that WisJim is not the original owner of the van. The AWD system used on the 2011+ is a part time / on-demand system. Most members have found this AWD system to be pretty effective, although maybe not as fast to kick in as the Gen-II van's full time AWD (which was somewhat functionally similar to the system used by Subaru).

But there have been a number of complaints about engagement clutch failure that results in no rear axle connection. This might further confound the Stability / Traction Control system operation because it's sending instructions for AWD operation but doesn't know why it's still operating as FWD only. So it might be worth getting it checked out.
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fibber2 said:
I read the original entry last night but didn't have a chance to reply. I'm very happy to see that my fellow moderator deleted the next few entries. If we see something like that again we might be deleting a few members too!

So, back to the original question.... I take it that WisJim is not the original owner of the van. The AWD system used on the 2011+ is a part time / on-demand system. Most members have found this AWD system to be pretty effective, although maybe not as fast to kick in as the Gen-II van's full time AWD (which was somewhat functionally similar to the system used by Subaru).

But there have been a number of complaints about engagement clutch failure that results in no rear axle connection. This might further confound the Stability / Traction Control system operation because it's sending instructions for AWD operation but doesn't know why it's still operating as FWD only. So it might be worth getting it checked out.
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Hi Fibber, Thank You so much for the response. I also have a 2012 RAV4 with an on demand (there's a button to engage) AWD and the response is very different and in my opinion much more reliable. I have both serviced at a Toyota dealership and will have the van checked out. It is a very consistent response.

You're right, I am not the original owner.

My sincere apologies to the community for over-reacting to another poster's response. Rule #1: Never post anything in anger!
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fibber2 said:
I read the original entry last night but didn't have a chance to reply. I'm very happy to see that my fellow moderator deleted the next few entries. If we see something like that again we might be deleting a few members too!

So, back to the original question.... I take it that WisJim is not the original owner of the van. The AWD system used on the 2011+ is a part time / on-demand system. Most members have found this AWD system to be pretty effective, although maybe not as fast to kick in as the Gen-II van's full time AWD (which was somewhat functionally similar to the system used by Subaru).

But there have been a number of complaints about engagement clutch failure that results in no rear axle connection. This might further confound the Stability / Traction Control system operation because it's sending instructions for AWD operation but doesn't know why it's still operating as FWD only. So it might be worth getting it checked out.
Click to expand...
A follow-up:

First off thanks once again to the group for all of the help!

I talked to the service advisor that I have used for some time. His advice was to, as Geezer recommended, try turning off the TRAC when in snowy conditions again and see if I have the same response instead of paying for a possibly unnecessary diagnostic. If it changes no repair is needed. I'll just have to adjust my driving habits to accommodate the new technology. Way more affordable.
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My daughter's 2018 RAV-4 AWD will bring the rear axle on line automatically as required, but also has the manual lock button. I like that feature and wish the Sienna had that feature too. I believe it keeps the rear engaged to 28 mph, and then reverts back to automatic operation.
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2018 XLE
Turning off the TRAC may help, but you may have to watch it and turn it back on. Our 2018 turns it back on above 35 mph. I leave it on all the time because the 2018 appears to do fine.
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